Let it go…the online lesson planning, the grades, the evaluations, the hysteria. Let’s just chill. A few weeks of missed instruction is not going to damage anyone in the long run.
Teachers, like first responders, are also stressed and have their own health concerns along with those of their families, children, and elderly parents to deal with. Many teachers have never used Zoom or other online formats and are stressing over an uncertain future. This is a very sensitive time for all.
Let’s reconsider mandatory online learning. Instead, let’s just regenerate, so we can be centered and fully present for our students when we return.
To expect all families and teachers to have the resources and skills to move to distance learning this quickly is beyond ambitious. Many families don’t have internet access, computers, desks, and other school supplies. The student’s home learning environments will vary greatly. Schools provide a stable, equal, and resource rich learning environment whereas homes, for those students that have a stable home, will be filled with distraction and competition for space and resources. It will not be a “Home School” environment as a majority of households are two worker families. This new learning environment will be unsupervised. We need to dial down the pressure on families and teachers right now. We should give students, “suggested activities” to do but not require it.
Students really need less screen time not more. Trying to do a mixer activity these days, where students walk around and get information from each other face to face, is painfully awkward to watch. Students are addicted to their phones and computers. The social interaction at school is a vital part of their ever diminishing interpersonal relationships. Since students in our district were provided their own computer several years ago, I have observed a steady decline in student social skills.
Let’s look at this as a sign from the universe. A time to relax, recharge, rejoice in the down time. I am looking forward to organizing my home, enjoying some neglected hobbies, and connecting with friends and family.
Let’s just all stay home for the next few weeks and enjoy the time that we never have with our families and loved ones in our own home. Cook, read, play games, take a walk, and just chill.
